I'm interviewing guitarist Lionel Loueke at noon, so I'm jumping the shark a bit. But Loueke closed the Gala Concert. After New York Voices, about 80 percent of the audience poured out of the Metro Toronto Convention Center's Constitution Hall. Those with a thirst for adventure (or simply no restrictions on bedtime) stayed for Lionel's trio. They are formerly known as Gilfema - Loueke, the Swedish/Italian bassist Massimo Biolcati, and Hungarian drummer Ferenc Nemeth.

They opened with the title song from Lionel's upcoming Blue Note release, Karibu. For the Swahili challenged, that means "Welcome."

The set ended with a little surprise. Lionel added to the international flavor of the band (not to mention the already-high musicality) with an invitation to harmonica player Gregoire Maret. And for lagniappe, let's throw in a some audience participation.

Heritage for Tomorrow is a quartet from the Paris Conservatory (or, officially, the Conservatoire National Superieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris...ahh, the French...). They are led by the bassist Riccardo del Fra.

The quartet performed three songs during the IAJE Special Session earlier today. I had not heard of the three young musicians who joined del Fra onstage, but I was impressed.